Why Do Longer Wavelengths Diffract More Than Shorter Wavelengths?

AI Thread Summary
Longer wavelengths diffract more than shorter wavelengths due to their ability to bend around obstacles and spread out when passing through openings, which is a fundamental property of wave behavior. The relationship between wavelength and image sharpness is highlighted by electron microscopes, which utilize shorter wavelengths to achieve higher resolution images. This is because shorter wavelengths can resolve finer details, allowing for clearer imaging of small objects. The discussion also touches on the mathematical derivation of minima in single-slit diffraction, emphasizing the importance of understanding these principles in wave physics. Overall, the conversation seeks clarity on the mechanisms behind diffraction and resolution related to wavelength.
Yuqing
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I've been told that longer wavelengths are able to diffract more than short wavelengths. The hyperphysics page on sound wave diffraction also states this fact. Nothing I've read have explained why exactly longer wavelengths are able to diffract more than shorter wavelengths, so that's my question here.

Also, the hyperphysics page also mentions about wavelengths and their ability to transfer information. Electron microscopes are able to produce images of smaller items because the wavelength of the electron is smaller than visible light. How does a shorter wavelength help to produce a sharper image?
 
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Yuqing said:
I've been told that longer wavelengths are able to diffract more than short wavelengths. The hyperphysics page on sound wave diffraction also states this fact. Nothing I've read have explained why exactly longer wavelengths are able to diffract more than shorter wavelengths, so that's my question here.

Have you seen the derivation for locating the minima in a single-slit diffraction experiment? What is the equation? Let m = 1, and then solve for theta, which is the angle from the central axis to the point at the first minima.
 

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